In her acting debut, Oprah starred as strong-willed Sofia in Steven Spielberg's 1985 film The Color Purple, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. For her portrayal, Oprah was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She later produced a stage version on Broadway in 2005, which ran for three years and is now on a national tour.
Top 10 Oprah Moments
In honor of Oprah's birthday, TIME looks back at the talk-show host's most memorable moments, from her interview with a love-struck Tom Cruise to an unforgettable car giveaway